Play as a Paratext - the well played convention

This project examines a number of science fiction conventions, and the 'pivot' to online spaces in 2020. It discusses how philosophies of play affect communities with inbuilt behavioural pattern of change and crisis management.

How do organisations embed play into their practices. What happens when play isn't fun, or when players don't nessecarily recongise that they are taking part in a gamed experience? The project uses science fiction conventions - which engage with highly playful, emergent attendees and organisers, to examine the ways in which play and fun intersect with played experiences as part of convention design.

Read more on the bid site: https://glasgow2024.org/

Lead researcher

Professor Esther Maccallum-Stewart

Professor

Esther specialises in player behaviour and analog games, exploring roleplaying, boardgames, fan communities and conventions. She has consulted on playful experiences for companies including Candy Crush (King Games) and Sony PlayStation.

Esther's profile
for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021